Cool Kitchen Gadgets That are Actually Useful

Cool kitchen gadgets are everywhere. From the aisles of big home stores to those late-night infomercials, we’ve all seen our fair share of quirky kitchen gadgets. Let’s be real, many of these gadgets seem like clever tricks to make us part with our cash. Often, they end up being more of a hassle than a help, crowding our kitchen counters and drawers without really adding value to our cooking experience.

But here’s the cool part: amidst these oddities, there are some truly nifty tools that can transform your food preparation into a breeze. I’ve stumbled upon a few unusual, yet incredibly handy kitchen appliances that have become absolute must-haves in my life. This post contains affiliate links.

Some might look like they belong in a professional chef’s arsenal, while others are just mildly quirky. Yet, each one has surprised me by how frequently I reach for them in my daily meal prep and cooking process. So, here is the list of clever kitchen gadgets I actually use and don’t regret buying!

Innovative Kitchen Products That I Use Regularly

Ever bought a kitchen gadget thinking it’ll change your cooking life? Often, they don’t. But, I’ve found a few that really do help. They’re not just for show. A simple apple slicer, pop-up parchment paper – these are just two of my regulars now. They save time, make food prep easy, and are truly useful for everyday meals.

Click here for a whole list of unique kitchen gadgets on amazon!

Tiny Spatulas: Get Every Bit

At first glance, tiny spatulas may seem odd. I remember looking at mine, baffled, thinking, “Why did I buy these?” They’re clearly not the best spatula for mixing batters or spreading frosting. But here’s the surprise: they’ve become one of my unique kitchen gadgets that I can’t do without. These little wonders are the perfect tools for scraping out every last drop of ketchup, peanut butter, and other condiments from jars.

And here’s a thrifty tip: they’re also great for reaching the bottom of makeup tubes! (Of course, keep a separate set for cosmetics.) Things are pricy these days, okay? I’m scraping bottles indeed!

Slow Cooker Lid Holder: Avoid a Drippy Mess

I was sent a slow cooker lid holder from Lid Pocket to try out, and it’s a kitchen helper more than I thought it’d be. No more messy counters from a steamy, drippy slow cooker lid! This must-have gadget sticks to the side of your slow cooker. It holds the lid, so no water drips on the counter.

Super handy for stirring or adding ingredients without the lid hassle. It keeps things neat and makes cooking with a slow cooker even easier.

Pop-Up Parchment Paper Sheets: Effortless Baking Prep

Pop-up parchment paper dispensers are a kitchen win! They come with pre-cut sheets, making baking prep a breeze. You might wonder, why not just use regular parchment paper and cut it yourself? Here’s why: no more battling with that serrated metal strip (yep, I’ve nicked my fingers on those too). Plus, it’s way more convenient.

When I’m bustling around the kitchen, grabbing a sheet in one swift move is way easier than stopping to cut. It’s a small change, but it makes baking and cooking so much smoother. I especially appreciate them during Christmas cookie baking chaos.

Tuna Press: Because, Ew, Tuna Juice

The tuna press might sound like it’s just for tuna, but it’s great for draining canned veggies too. It seems like one of those odd kitchen tools you’d never use, right? Wrong! It’s super handy. If you’ve ever tried squeezing a tuna can lid to drain the liquid, you know the struggle – tuna juice everywhere, usually on your shirt.

Not fun. But with this press, you can easily squeeze out all the water or oil, mess-free. No more splashes or spills! It’s a simple, yet effective tool that keeps your cooking clean and dry.

Ice Cream Containers: Space-Saving Sweets

Making ice cream at home? These ice cream containers are a must-have. What I love about them is their design. They’re made to fit snugly in any freezer. They’re narrow, so they slide right into even the tightest spaces. Plus, they’re stackable.

That means you can pile them up in your freezer, no matter how packed it is. Whether you’re a homemade ice cream pro or just starting out, these containers make storing your frozen creations easy and efficient. No more struggling to fit bulky containers in the freezer!

Mini Waffle Maker: Small But Mighty

The mini waffle maker might look like one of those quirky kitchen gadgets you’d rarely use, but it’s surprisingly handy. Sure, it makes only one waffle at a time, which seems slow for a family breakfast. But it’s perfect if you’re solo or the early bird in the house. I use mine constantly for making chaffles.

If you’re into keto, you’ll know chaffles are cheese waffles, and this small appliance makes them perfectly. It’s tiny, easy to store, and super convenient for quick, delicious breakfasts.

Microwave-Safe Mugs: Time Saver for One

Microwave-safe mugs might not be unusual, but they are incredibly useful. I used to think all mugs could handle the microwave – until my favorite one cracked and left me with a big, messy coffee spill. Lesson learned! These mugs are awesome because they let you heat drinks safely and are ideal for all those trendy single-serving mug recipes online.

Whether it’s a quick coffee reheat or whipping up a solo mug cake, these mugs can handle it all. They’re a simple yet essential kitchen item for easy, fuss-free cooking and reheating. A must-have for anyone who loves a good microwave hack!

Mini Whisk or Frother: Whip it Good

Mini whisks and frothers are tiny tools, but they pack a big punch in the kitchen. They’re perfect for whipping up mug cakes or mixing drinks. Just grab your trusty microwave-safe mug, add your ingredients, and let these little wonders do their magic.

A whisk is great for getting that cake mix just right, while a frother is a champ for smoothly blending drinks like hot cocoa or protein shakes. Especially handy for fitness enthusiasts who regularly mix protein powders. These cooking gadgets are small enough to fit in any drawer, but their impact on your kitchen prep is huge – making mixing quick, easy, and lump-free!

Immersion Blender: Handheld Helpfulness

Right after talking about the handiness of mini whisks and frothers, it’s worth mentioning the immersion blender. While a milk frother is great for small tasks, an immersion blender steps in for the bigger jobs. Think soups, sauces, or larger batches of smoothies.

Unlike a regular blender, you can use it directly in your pot or bowl, making it super convenient and less messy. It’s a powerful tool that simplifies blending, especially when you don’t want to haul out the full-sized blender or stand or hand mixers. Compact yet efficient, the immersion blender is definitely on my must-have list for its ability to make cooking and prep work a breeze.

Butter Bell: For Soft, Spreadable Butter

Before I discovered butter bells, I had no idea they existed. Now, I can’t imagine my kitchen without one. A butter bell is a game-changer for anyone who loves soft, spreadable butter. It keeps your butter at the perfect room temperature without it spoiling. Because, YES, butter does go bad when left out of the fridge!

How does it work? By creating an airtight seal at the top and cradling the butter in a water bath at the bottom. This clever design ensures your butter stays fresh and ready to spread whenever you need it. It’s a simple yet amazing tool that transforms the way you store and use butter.

Avocado Cover: Keeping Half an Avocado Fresh

The avocado cover is a neat little gadget in my kitchen. Sure, plastic wrap does the job, but this is more fun and eco-friendly. There was a time when finishing a whole avocado in one go was the only option to avoid waste. Not anymore!

With an avocado cover, I can savor half now and save the rest for later. It fits snugly over the unused half, keeping it fresh until I’m ready to eat it. It may not be the quirkiest tool out there, but it’s definitely a handy one that more people should know about. It’s a simple, effective way to reduce food waste and enjoy your avocados at your own pace.

Apple Slicer: Quick, Even Slices Every Time

An apple slicer is one of those kitchen tools I can’t get enough of. It’s perfect for those moments when you want a quick, healthy snack without any fuss. Just position it on top of the apple, press down, and voilà – perfectly even apple slices ready to chomp. It’s also a star when making apple nachos.

The slicer ensures each slice is uniform, making your apple nachos not only delicious but also aesthetically pleasing. Gone are the days of unevenly cut apples with this handy gadget. It’s a simple, effective tool that makes preparing apples effortless, whether for snacking or for a fun, tasty treat like dessert nachos.

Kiwi Tool: Effortless Kiwi Prep

During a summer kiwi binge, I discovered the kiwi tool – a real life-changer. If you’ve ever tried scooping out a kiwi with a spoon, you know it’s messy, awkward, and can even hurt your hand. But this tool? It makes getting that juicy kiwi flesh out so easy.

Just slice the kiwi in half, use the tool to scoop and separate the fruit from its skin, and you’re done. No mess, no fuss, just perfectly prepared kiwi ready to go. It’s a must-have for any kiwi lover, turning a tricky task into a simple, pain-free experience.

Meat Munchers: Fun and Efficient Meat Shredding

It doesn’t need to be spooky season to use these skull-shaped Meat Munchers. What I originally thought might be a cute novelty item, I now use every single time I need to shred meat. I am quickly finding that Ototo products are adorable, but also incredibly useful.

Professional Fry Cutter: For the French Fry Fan

As someone who proudly claims the title of professional fry eater, getting a Professional Fry Cutter for my kitchen was a happy day. If you’re into making your own baked fries at home, this gadget is a must-own. It lets you swiftly and easily cut evenly-sliced potatoes – and trust me, it works best with yellow potatoes.

This cutter takes the hassle out of slicing, ensuring each fry is uniform in size for that perfect bake. No more uneven, half-cooked, half-crunchy fries. Now, every batch comes out just right, making my homemade fry sessions more enjoyable and delicious. It’s a must-have for anyone serious about their fries!

Electric Kettle: It’s Now Fun to Watch Water Boil

For anyone with a tea obsession, an electric kettle is a great choice. Boiling water on the stove? That takes forever. But with an electric kettle, you get that perfect hot water in a fraction of the time. It’s quick, efficient, and a real time-saver.

Whether it’s your morning tea or an afternoon pick-me-up, this kettle gets the job done fast. Electric kettles are also fun to watch!

Lemon Zester: A Zesty Grater

Once you start cooking more at home, you’ll notice how often zest appears in recipes. That’s where a lemon zester comes in handy, especially if it doubles as a cheese grater. This combo gadget is ideal for adding that perfect touch of citrus zest to your dishes, enhancing flavors beautifully.

It’s not just for lemons – you can zest oranges, limes, and even grate hard cheeses with ease. The dual functionality makes it a space saver and a versatile tool in your kitchen arsenal. I use this long one vs. the big triangle grater and it makes for more easy storage.

Lemon Squeezer: Let the Papercut Stay Hidden

A lemon squeezer is a real hand-saver in the kitchen. Squeezing lemons the old-fashioned way? No fun, especially if you have even the tiniest cut on your hands. Ouch! With a lemon squeezer, you get all the juice without the sting or mess.

It’s easy to use and ensures you get every drop of lemony goodness for your dishes, without the hassle. Plus, no seeds! This tool is a simple solution for a common kitchen problem, making cooking with lemons a breeze.

Garlic Mincer: Garlicky Goodness

A garlic mincer is a kitchen must-have. Slicing garlic tiny just doesn’t compare to true mincing. With a mincer, you get uniform, fine pieces in no time. It’s quick, easy, and gives you the perfect texture for your dishes.

No more fiddling with a knife and uneven garlic bits. This tool changes your cooking game, adding that perfectly minced garlic flavor to every meal.

Okay, those last few are some of the most useful kitchen gadgets, so I may be rambling now. I’m pretty protective of the real estate of my kitchen drawers, so things have to be useful for me to keep them longterm!

For more kitchen supplies ideas or if you’re on the hunt for the perfect gift, visit my pizza lovers gift guide, gift ideas for holiday hosts, and gifts for people on the keto diet.

What do you think? Do you have any fun kitchen gadgets that you use way more than you thought you would?